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Diaz-Balart, Soto Reintroduce Venezuela TPS Act

January 5, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. ­­–– Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Darren Soto (FL-09), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) introduced the bipartisan Venezuela TPS Act of 2021. The legislation designates Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), protecting approximately 200,000 Venezuelan nationals in the United States from deportation.

"I am proud to once more join my colleague, Congressman Darren Soto, to introduce the Venezuela TPS Act in the 117th Congress," said Congressman Diaz-Balart. "Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans remains a top priority for me, and it continues to be crucial to the thousands of Venezuelan nationals that have sought safety in the United States after fleeing the oppressive, murderous Maduro dictatorship. I will continue working tirelessly with my friend, Congressman Soto, and my other colleagues to advance this important legislation."

"The whole world has witnessed Maduro's blatant disregard for human rights, including arbitrary arrests, media censorship, imprisonment of the opposition and the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters," said Congressman Soto. "Until political stability and food security are restored and economic recovery is underway, designating Venezuela for TPS is the best way to show our support to refugees in Florida and across the country. I thank my colleagues Reps. Diaz-Balart and Wasserman-Schultz for joining this bipartisan effort to assist the thousands of Venezuelans who now call Florida home. It's time to carry out our nation's strongly held American values of compassion and democracy!"